Activity #14

Reflection on Online Mandatory District Child Abuse Awareness Training October 20, 2010

This is the wave of the future for both my school district and education in general (Education Week, 2010). We used to have to sit through watching a video at a staff meeting and then signing a document saying we watched it. The mandatory child abuse training (Los Angeles Unified School District, 2010) is the first that was completely online. It started last year, but this activity is on the one I attended this year.

I like it because it allows me to complete it at a time that is convenient for me without another mandatory meeting. I also like how it probably saves money. Finally, there is actually a testing component which means that people will take it more seriously.

The actual training format could use some work. It is basically a PowerPoint presentation interspersed with video of someone standing and talking. Fairly amateurish, but I think one of the visual arts magnet high schools does the video.

Self-Assessment

I learned about child abuse awareness and how the district is using online training. I was able to participate as a learner in a mandatory web 2.0 training just like the ones I have read about that other districts are doing. I thought the district did an okay job. I was looking at the training through the lens of what I have learned through this program.

Learn as a Learner

I completed the assignment by paying attention to the multimedia that was presented. Online is a great format for me to learn. I must have done something right I passed the test on the first try. There really was no interaction with colleagues in this activity, unless you count the district’s talking head in the presentation.

Lifelong Learning Skills

I will continue to look for opportunities within the district for web 2.0 trainings. I learned more about child abuse awareness in this format than while trying to stay awake at a staff meeting watching a TV halfway across the room. I would rather do all mandatory training online rather than interact with colleagues at a staff meeting. Looking forward f course I want to be aware of possible child abuse. But I also want to learn more about the potential for web 2.0 in teacher training.

Implementation of ISTE Indicators

TF-III.A.6: “Use and describe methods and strategies for teaching concepts and skills that support use of distance learning systems appropriate in a school environment ( refer to NETS for Students) [Williamson, & Redish, 2009, p. 228]. I participated in distance learning is a school environment.

TF-V.A.2: “Disseminate information on district-wide policies for the professional growth opportunities for staff, faculty, and administrators” (Williamson, & Redish, 2009, p. 231). The district used an online class to disseminate mandatory information.

TF-VII.B.6: “Use distance and online learning facilities” (Williamson, & Redish, 2009, p. 238). The training was at a school site and was produced and hosted by the school district.

References:

Education Week. (2010). Can web 2.0 save teacher development? [Webinar]. Retrieved from http://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=lobby.jsp&eventid=1 67710&sessionid=1&key=A253DACED911F2EBE17405B75F45DCFD&eventuserid=3 6217884

Los Angeles Unified School District. (2010). School safety: Child abuse awareness training. Retrieved from http://www.lausd.net/schoolsafety/

Williamson, J., & Redish, T. (2009). ISTE’s technology facilitation and leadership standards:What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education